Multiple party telephone control system

ABSTRACT

To interface a primary telephone terminal with a vast number of remote terminals through a telephone network, parties at the remote terminals are individually screened to attain a select group. Bridged together, the select group is preliminarily informed of the status of the interface by a voice generator and, accordingly, the multitude of connections are synchronized for the interface. On cue, the select group is coupled to the primary telephone terminal for unilateral communications. Deviations from the unilateral communication include select bilateral communication for a few of the remote terminals and digital communication from the remote terminals by push button as for polling applications. Subjects for interfaces are programmed for selection from a memory.

This is a continuation of Application Ser. No. 07/371,188 filed June 26,1989entitled "Multiple Party Telephone Control System", now U.S. Pat.No. 4,939,773.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For a number of years, telephonic communication primarily involvedsingular conversations between individual persons. However in recentyears, the applications and uses for telephonic communication haveradically expanded. Currently, telephone facilities are widely used tocommunicate digital information in conjunction with various forms ofcomputer apparatus. In a related context, fully automated centralstation equipment has been developed for effectively communicating withpersons calling to: receive information, provide statistical data oreven consummate various transactions.

Another area of expanded telephonic communication involves techniquesfor variously interfacing persons. For example, in contemporarytelephone systems, a variety of conference call techniques and callerselection operations can be executed at an individual telephoneterminal. Also, push buttons on telephone keyboards have been utilizedto implement secondary connections as desired by a caller. However, inspite of various prior telephonic developments, a need has beenrecognized for further expansion in multiple party telephoniccommunication and particularly with regard to systems affordingflexibility and control, and with the capability to interface a largenumber of remote terminals, e.g. thousands, as for example to receiveinformation. Thus, the present invention enables vastly expandedtelephonic communication, as to inform, entertain or poll a multitudepeople, as per pending Application Ser. No. 194,258, now U.S. Pat. No.4,845,739,

In general, the present invention may be embodied to implement andcontrol interfaces through a telephone network between a primaryterminal and a large number of remote terminals. Typically, theinterfaces will involve unidirectional communication flowing from theprimary terminal to a multitude of remote terminals. However, limitedbilateral communication may be provided for a few of the remoteterminals. To consider an exemplary operation, a personage at theprimary terminal might report "live" to a large, select group ofindividuals at remote terminals. Select bilateral conversations alsocould be communicated to the listening group. Furthermore, digital datamay be collected from the remote terminals as in polling applications.The data would be formulated at the remote terminals by the telephonepush buttons.

In accordance with the present invention, a selection structure screensindividual terminals during a preliminary engagement phase ofestablishing communication with the multitude of people. During theengagement period, persons at individual terminals can be greeted, thenqualified on the basis of digital communication provided from theindividual terminals via the telephone touch keyboard.

As the engagement period proceeds, a growing group of qualifiedterminals are bridged for gang communication to receive call statusinformation collectively. The group is thus synchronized preparatory tothe live communication when the switching apparatus unilaterally couplesthe qualified group of terminals to the primary telephone terminal.Variations may then accommodate some bilateral communication, forexample to enable limited conversations or polling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, which constitute a part of this specification, anexemplary embodiment of the invention is set forth as follows:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system constructed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a component portion of the system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the process executed in the system of FIG.1; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of another component portion of the system ofFIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

As indicated above, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention is disclosed herein. However, elements in accordance with thepresent invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms some ofwhich may be quite different from those of the disclosed embodiment.Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are merely representative; yet in that regard, they are deemed toafford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide abasis for the claims herein which define the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a multitude of telephone terminals T1through TN are represented at the left of the figure connected to atelephone network facility F. Essentially, the telephone networkfacility F comprises a comprehensive public telephone network or systemthrough which any of the multitude of telephone terminals T1 through TNmay be employed to call another terminal and establish telephoniccommunication. The telephone terminals T1 through TN may constitute awide variety of instruments, typically including a handpiece (microphoneand earphone) and a keyboard or punch pad (not shown).

In accordance with the present invention, a select group of thetelephonic terminals T1 through TN are gang connected through thetelephone network facility F and a control system CS to accommodatecommunication with a primary telephone terminal PT (lower right). Toaccommodate various operations, the terminal PT may comprise a displayterminal incorporating a control panel or keyboard, a CRT display and atelephone headset (microphone and earphones). Accordingly, the primarytelephone terminal PT can be used to communicate live with a large, butqualified group of persons at select of the terminals T1-TN.

To consider an exemplary operation of the system, a personage (as thepresident of a major concern) might give a live status report to amultitude of key people distributed over a large area. The operationmight involve confirmed identification of the key people forqualification to participate followed by synchronization for theinterconnect. Accordingly, the communication to the key personnel issimultaneous and live. During the communication, the personage at theprimary terminal PT may interface bilaterally with a small number of thekey people, as by talking to them so as to enhance the report.Furthermore, statistical polling data from the group can be receivedeffectively, monitored and recorded at the control system CS in adigital format.

Considering the control system CS in somewhat greater detail, a largenumber of telephone lines L1 through LN are provided from the telephonenetwork facility F through connection equipment 10 to a multiplexerswitch 12. The equipment 10 may incorporate automatic dialers and audioresponse units (ARU's) as well known in telephone technology. The switch12 also incorporates known telephonic technology to accommodate amultitude of lines L1-LN that may be variously connected for individualor group communication. Note that several available units might beganged together in the equipment 10 and the switch 12 to accomplish thedesired capability.

The multiplexer switch 12 and the equipment 10 (along with all elementsat the central station CS) are controlled by a computer and memory unit14 (top, left) through a cable 16. To preserve the drawing legible, onlyillustrative connections are shown.

Generally, the control unit 14 may comprise a minicomputer of varyingcapacity depending on the number of lines L1 through LN and the degreeof flexibility desired for the interfaces. As illustrated, the unit 14includes clocking capability and a printer. As a related consideration,it is noteworthy that in operating embodiments, the control unit 14 mayincorporate certain of the structures that are shown separately in FIG.1.

The unit 14 controls the entire system CS and in that regard provides aseries of binary command signals I1, I2, I3, I4 and I5, along withsubcommand signals t1, t2 and t3. The signals I1 and I2 are concurrent.Otherwise, the command signal I3 alone is high or it is high with one orboth of the command signals I4 and I5. Accordingly, select intervals ofthe operation are defined. Generally, the command signals I1 and I2concurrently define the engagement interval during which subjects aregreeted, qualified and bridged into a select group to receive periodicstatus reports. During the command signals I1 and I2, the subcommandsignals t1, t2 and t3 define specific stages for individual telephoneconnections.

The interval of live communication is defined by the command signal I3with communication variations defined by command signals I4 and I5.

Under control of the command signal I1, an engagement processor 18provides audio signals through the multiplexer switch 12, the equipment10 and the telephone network facility F to individual telephoneterminals T1 through TN. That is, the processor 18 incorporates audioresponse apparatus to provide voice signals to cue and inform.Accordingly, at a specific terminal, the voice or audio signals mayinstruct, advise or cue a person with regard to a pending groupconnection. During such operation (command signal I1) a person at theterminal may be tested for authorized participation in a select group.

The multiplexer switch 12 also is connected to a group synchronizer 20which is controlled by the command signal I2. The synchronizer 20 alsoincorporates a voice synthesizer or audio capability to collectivelyadvise persons at select of the terminals T1 through TN of the pending"live" communication. Specifically, the synchronizer 20 may incorporatean audio unit, as well known, to provide digitized audio signals throughthe switch 12, the equipment 10 and the telephone facility F to allqualified callers bridged at "on-line" terminals prompting a voicemessage, e.g. "Please continue to stand by. President Jones will bespeaking to you live in approximately twenty seconds." Note that at thestarting instant of such a message, the select group may be growing asadditional persons are qualified at terminals T1-TN. The command signalI1 controls the inclusion of such late persons.

At a predetermined time, communication is complete between the selectgroup at certain of the total telephone terminals T1-TN in the networkand a person at the primary telephone terminal PT. In that regard,different specific operations then may occur as defined by the intervalsof command signals I3, I4 and I5.

During the interval of signal I3, the primary telephone terminal PT isin unilateral voice communication with the select group of the terminalsT1-TN. During the interval of the command signal I4, one or more selectindividual telephone terminals is provided with bilateral voicecommunication to the primary terminal PT. The remaining terminalscontinue in a unilateral or "listen only" mode. Essentially, during thecommand signal I4, the multiplexer switch 12 couples the few selectlines of the lines L1-LN through the coupling 22 for bilateralcommunication with the terminal PT.

During the interval of command signal I5, digital data is received fromthe select group of terminals T1 through TN through the lines L1-LN, theequipment 10 and the switch 12 to a buffer memory 24. Data is thentransferred from the buffer memory 24 to the control unit 14 forstorage. Data also may be supplied from the unit 14 for display at theterminal PT. Specifically, digital signals are provided from select ofthe telephone terminals T1-TN by actuating the push buttons as wellknown in the prior art. Typically, in response to a query, digital datais provided from the active terminals T1-TN. For example, the groupmight be queried: "After much discussion regarding a shorter work week,we are considering the alternatives of a four-day week or a seven-hourday. If you favor a four-day week, please press `1`. If you favor aseven-hour day, please press `2`." Of course, voice code techniques arean alternative.

Recapitulating to some extent, the system of FIG. 1 generally has fourphases. The two initial concurrent operations (designated by commandsignals I1 and I2) specify the first or engagement phase and involve:(1) interfacing through individual lines L1-LN with persons at specificterminals T1-TN to screen or qualify persons for connection with aselect group, and (2) maintaining the select group in synchronization asby status reports of the pending communication. To consider an instantduring these concurrent operations of the first phase, certain lines, aslines L1 through L475, might be in the operation of command signal I2while other lines, as lines L476 through L1500, are still in the controlof command signal I1.

After the initial phase (signals I1 and I2) the system interfaces theselect group with the terminal PT. The various operations and associatedstructures are indicated in chart form below.

    ______________________________________                                        Operating Phases                                                              Designating                                                                   Command Signal                                                                            Operation       Key Structure                                     ______________________________________                                        I1          individually screen                                                                           engagement                                                    calls on lines L1-LN                                                                          processor 18                                                  for connection to a                                                           select group for                                                              collective live                                                               participation                                                     I2          hold calls of select                                                                          group synchro-                                    (concurrent group pending live                                                                            nizer 20                                          with I1)    communication                                                     I3          couple the select                                                                             primary tele-                                                 group to the primary                                                                          phone terminal                                                telephone terminal                                                                            PT                                                            PT for unilateral                                                             live communication                                                I4          I3 operation, plus                                                                            coupling 22                                       (concurrent couple certain                                                    with I3)    terminals for live                                                            bilateral communi-                                                            cation                                                            I5          I3 and/or I4    buffer 24                                         (concurrent operation, plus                                                   with I3)    receive digital                                                               data from terminal                                                            group                                                             ______________________________________                                    

The operations of specific phases may be variously programmed throughthe control computer and memory unit 14. Operation may involve "inbound"or "outbound" calling with use of various identifications, formats andcontrols.

To consider the illustrative operation of the system as controlled bythe command signal I1 in somewhat greater detail, reference will now bemade to FIG. 2 showing detailed structure of the engagement processor 18for a single call in combination with the control unit 14. In thatregard, a single call format is illustrated for purposes of explanation.However, a multiplexed parallel system would be implemented in anoperating embodiment. Also, for ease of illustration in FIG. 2, the unit14 is shown divided, specifically as a computer 14a and a memory 14b.The integral relationship between the two structures as the unit 14 isindicated by a dashed line 30.

In the disclosed embodiment, the control computer 14a provides thecommand signals I1-I5 and the subcommand signals t1, t2 and t3 whichsubdivide the command signal I1 for three distinct operations. Thoseoperations vary with "inbound" and "outbound" modes of operation. Inboth modes, the individual subject's terminal (telephone) number is setin a register 34 (FIG. 2, upper left). Similarly, the subject's name isset in an audio unit 36 to greet and cue the subject as an individual.In the same manner, the subject's identification number is set in acomparator 46 to be tested with a received identification number from aregister 38. The memory section 14a (FIG. 2) incorporates a multiplicityof cells DS1-DSN from which data is supplied on individual callers.

Note that for outbound calls, the subject's number is worked from theregister 34. For inbound calls, the subject's number is received fromthe facility F, as through ANI (automatic number identificationequipment). From the register 34, during inbound operation the number isused to address a select one of the cells DS1-DSN. In the event ANItechnology is not available, the caller may be asked to punch in hisnumber to provide the digital information in the register 34.

In view of the above description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, acomprehensive understanding of the system may now best be perfected byassuming exemplary patterns of operation and explaining the process withreference to FIG. 3 while relating to the structure of FIGS. 1 and 2.

At the outset, the system is programmed either for "inbound" or"outbound" operation as indicated by a query block 54 at the top of FIG.3. Initially, assume an inbound operating format involving a personage(corporate principal, government figure, celebrity, pollster or publicfigure) located at the primary telephone terminal PT (FIG. 1).Additionally, assume the personage is to speak live, by prearrangementwith a multitude of people who will come on-line over a period ofseveral minutes and therefore will require synchronization. That is,many persons may be required to wait and accordingly after qualificationthey are to be bridged into a group for unilateral communication andperiodic vocal notices. In that regard, the multiplexer switch 12(FIG. 1) has the capability to accommodate a large number of lines L1-LNsimultaneously. Also, the other elements in the control system CS havesimilar capability. However, multiplexing, time sharing, pipelining andvarious other techniques may be employed in systems hereof, utilizingwell known techniques of the prior art.

Proceeding with the proposed operation, next assume that each of theperson entitled to join the select group is identified by name and anI.D. number carried in a data cell (DS1-DSN) of the memory 14b (FIG. 2).Note that the I.D. or personal identification numbers are known tocalling individuals.

Pursuing the inbound operation, with the placement cf a call from one ofthe telephone terminals T1-TN (FIG. 1), the telephone network facility Fis actuated and one of the lines L1-LN carries the call to themultiplexer switch 12. Assuming the existence of automatic numberidentification technology (ANI), digital signals are received throughthe connection equipment 10 and the multiplexer switch 12 (FIG. 1) intoa calling number register 34 (FIG. 2) as indicated by a block 56 in FIG.3. These operations occur during the command signal I1.

From the register 34 (FIG. 2) during the interval of the timing signalt1, the memory 14b is addressed to fetch the content of a specific datacell (of the cells DSI through DSN) into the audio unit 36 and thecomparator 46. This operation is illustrated by a block 58 in FIG. 3.

With the identification fetched, the audio unit 36 (FIG. 2) is actuatedto greet and cue the caller by name as indicated in FIG. 3 by a block60. The operation occurs during the timing signal t2. Accordingly,formulated signals are formed to provide audio for a cue message thatmight be stated: "Welcome Mr. John Doe; thank you for calling. Pleasepunch in your personal identification number."

Greetings of a different format would be used in the outgoing mode ofoperation. For outgoing calls, the message might be: "If you are Mr.John Doe, please press `1` on the telephone. If not, please call Mr.John Doe to the telephone and ask him to press `1` when he is on theline." These specific controls are implemented by the control unit 14.

Once the desired subject is on the line and is cued for I.D., the systemproceeds from the block 60 of FIG. 3 in a similar manner for bothinbound and outbound calls. For ease of explanation, prior toconsidering the process from this point, the outbound operation will betreated reverting to the step of block 54 at the top of FIG. 3.

In the outbound mode, the process flows from block 54 to the step of ablock 64 (FIG. 3, right) involving the placement of a call. Accordingly,for the select group of terminals (T1-TN) to be called from the centralstation CS, telephone numbers are downloaded or fetched from the cellsDSl-DSN (FIG. 2, memory unit 14b) to the connection equipment 10 (FIG.1). As indicated by a block 66 in FIG. 3, autodialers in the equipment10 then individually capture the lines L1-LN and produce dialing signalsto actuate the telephone network facility F.

Calls initiated by the autodialers (connection equipment 10, FIG. 1) mayor may not be answered as recognized by the query block 68 (FIG. 3). Ifa call is not answered, it is terminated as indicated by a block 70.Various termination messages may be implemented depending on specificapplications.

If the outbound call is answered, a greeting and cue is provided asexplained above to obtain the desired person on the line and cue thatperson for the assigned personal identification number. That process forthe call is controlled by subcommand signal t2 and involves the audiounit 36 (FIG. 2).

In response to a cue, the actuation of alphanumeric buttons at thecalling telephone terminal produces digital signals representing thesubject's I.D. The representative signals are supplied through themultiplexer switch 12 (FIG. 1) to the I.D. register 38 as indicated bythe block 72 (FIG. 3). The process then proceeds to a step illustratedby a query block 74 involving the subcommand signal t3. Specifically,the separate reference and received identification signals are comparedby the comparator 46. In that regard, the received signals are suppliedfrom the register 38 (FIG. 2) to the comparator 46, the referencesignals having been supplied from the memory 14b.

In certain applications, as those involving polling, it may be desirableto invoke test criteria on the basis of demographics. That is, theperson at the remote terminal might be qualified or screened toparticipate based on demographic considerations. Accordingly, vocal cueswould prompt signals from the remote person for comparison with thedesired criteria.

Returning to the specific example, if the received signals do notcompare favorably with the reference signals, the call is terminated,again as indicated by the block 70. In that event, the process revertsto the interval of timing signal t2 and a termination message isprovided by the audio unit 36 (FIG. 2).

If, as the alternative from block 74 (FIG. 3) a favorable comparisonterminates the operation indicated by interval signal I1 bridging thecaller to the group connected as indicated by the block 76 for operationunder control of the command signal I2.

The persons bridged into the qualified group are periodically welcomedand notified regarding the status of the pending live communication.Accordingly, all telephone terminals attaining the select group arebridged through the switch 12 (FIG. 1) to the group synchronizer 20.Periodically, after a brief delay as indicated by the block 78, thegroup might be collectively advised, e.g. "Again, welcome to the livecommunication by President Smith; the select group is being composed andPresident Smith will be on the line in approximately thirty seconds."

As indicated in FIG. 3, after the short delay of the block 78, thesystem tests for the time of live communication as indicated by thequery block 80. If the clock in the unit I4 (FIG. 1) indicates the timefor live communication is remote, the group status message again isprovided as indicated by a block. Alternatively, if the time is near,the process moves to the control of command signal I3 and livecommunication is initiated as shown by block 84. Of course, in analternative program, the period of live communication may be initiatedfrom the primary terminal PT.

At the instant when the clock within the unit 14 determines the time hasoccurred for a "live" interconnect, the switch 12 bridges the group ofcallers to the primary telephone terminal PT. Accordingly, the selectgroup of callers at certain of the telephone terminals T1 through TN isconnected for unilateral communication from the assumed personage at theprimary telephone terminal PT until the process is completed asindicated by a block 86 prompting termination.

As indicated above, once the live interface has begun, select bilateralconversations can be accommodated. In that regard, the primary telephoneterminal PT (FIG. 1) can be actuated causing the unit 14 to open aninbound voice passage through the line 80 and the coupling 22 to theprimary telephone terminal PT. Accordingly, the personage at thetelephone terminal PT may interface select callers in a bilateral voiceconference. Such a communication may be stimulating, interesting and/orinformational to listeners of the select group. As indicated above, suchoperations occur during the interval of the command signal I4.

Also as indicated above, the select group may be polled for data whichis provided in digital form from the telephone terminal push buttons. Inthat regard, the multiplexer switch 12 is actuated during the intervalof command signal I5 (initiated from the terminal PT) to accommodate thepassage of digital data into the buffer 24 for accumulation.Accordingly, digital signals formulated at individual terminals T1-TNare accumulated in the buffer memory 24 for subsequent processing in theunit 14. Consider a specific example.

A basis for polling a select group at terminals T1-TN was mentionedabove with regard to a shortened work schedule. To pursue that example,after prompting the multitude of subjects at terminals T1-TN, individuallines L1-LN are coupled by the switch 12 to pass digital signals to thememory 24 activated by the command signal I5. In the example, votes weredesignated either by "1" or "2". Thus, the digital values areaccumulated in the memory 24 to indicate poll results and may bedisplayed at the primary terminal PT, along with other data includingspecific responses.

Note that the actual polling period or time window is defined by thecommand signal I5. The signal may be terminated by the control unit 14,or control may be referred to the primary terminal PT. Control of thepolling period by the primary terminal PT allows observation of pollingresults for guidance in ending the period.

It will be appreciated that various polls can be taken effectively bysystems of the present invention. One such alternative might involverandom digit dialing. Specifically, bounds for legitimate telephonenumbers are defined in the unit 14 in accordance with a poll objective.For example, it may be desired to randomly poll persons in the areasdesignated by area codes 213, 818, 714 and 619. Accordingly, a randomnumber generator as well known in the art could select area codes andterminal numbers at random. Such terminals could then be called forpolling.

Similarly, specific digits of telephone terminal numbers could bespecified conforming to number assignments; however, again retainingpossibilities to accommodate a random selection. In a more definedcontext, a random-number generator implemented in the unit 14 mayaddress a look-up table also implemented in the unit 14. Accordingly,random selection is afforded to accomplish a defined multitude ofindividual numbers. When a specific number of calls are connected, theprocess could proceed. Statistically, such an implementation offersinteresting possibilities with regard to polling techniques.

Another implementation of the system may involve a number of programswhich are called up for operation at specific time intervals to performan interface. Structure involved for such implementation is illustratedin FIG. 4 showing the connection equipment 10 and the control unit 14 insomewhat greater detail.

With the unit 14, a program unit 102 is actuated to specify addressesfor specific subjects prior to an interface operation. In that regard,subjects within the memory 114 may be addressed by a specific timethrough an address unit 116. Responsive to such a time, the memory 114provides identification for subjects through a downloading apparatus 118to the connection equipment 10. Specifically, the downloading apparatus118 supplies terminal calling numbers and cuing data to dialer-audiounits DA1 through DAN. Once loaded, the dialer-audio units DA1 throughDAN operate in cooperation with lines L1 through LN as described aboveto establish specific connections with individual persons.

To consider a specific operation, assume an interface is to be executedin conjunction with a television program. Accordingly, at a specifictime, the program unit 112 actuates the address unit 116 to download aselect group of participants from the memory 114 through the downloadingapparatus 118 to the dialer-audio units DA1 through DAN. Of course, theoperation may involve several cycles of downloading to attain thedesired select group coupled through the connection apparatus 120 andthe lines L1-LN. The operation would involve the phases as explainedabove to accomplish variously the select group for the desiredinterface. Thus, individuals would be cued, modated returncommunication.

From the above descriptions it may be seen that the system of thepresent invention affords an enhanced communication capability for usein conjunction with a substantial number of remote terminals. Of course,various other techniques and specific structures may be employed inimplementing the system. Accordingly, the scope hereof is deemedappropriately determined in accordance with the claims as set forthbelow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multiple-party control system for use with atelephone facility to interface a primary terminal with a multiplicityof remote terminals through said telephone facility, said systemcomprising:preliminary structure for calls at connected terminals toprovide vocal information to persons at connected terminals; gangholding structure for collectively communicating with persons at saidconnected terminals collectively as a group; and controlled switch meansfor initially coupling individual terminals to said preliminarystructure during an engagement phase of operation, subsequentlyconnecting said terminals to said gang holding structure during apending phase of operation and thereafter connecting said gang holdingstructure to said primary terminal for collectively receiving unilateralvoice communication.
 2. A system according to claim 1 wherein saidpreliminary structure comprises means to test data to selectivelymaintain an interface with certain of said terminals.
 3. A systemaccording to claim 2 wherein preliminary structure includes: memorymeans for storing reference information related to callers, means toreceive information from said coupled terminals indicative of saidcallers and means to test said reference information related to specificcallers against said information received from specific callers.
 4. Acontrol system according to claim 1 further including memory means forstoring information on individual callers.
 5. A control system accordingto claim 1 wherein said gang holding structure includes audio means forproviding audio status signals to said terminals.
 6. A control systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said controlled switch means includes acontrol computer and a multiplexer switch means.
 7. A control systemaccording to claim 6 wherein said controlled switch means isunidirectional during at least part of said interface phase wherebyaudio signals are provided from said primary terminal to said otherterminals.
 8. A control system according to claim 7 wherein saidcontrolled switch means enables a bidirectional connection from saidprimary terminal to certain of said other terminals.
 9. A multiple-partycontrol system for use with a telephone facility to interface a primaryterminal with a multiplicity of remote terminals for controlledcommunication through said telephone facility, said systemcomprising:preliminary structure for calls at connected of said remoteterminals; gang holding structure for collectively communicating vocallyto persons at said connected terminals as a group and receiving digitalsignals therefrom; and controlled switch means for coupling connectedterminals to said preliminary structure during an engagement phase ofoperation, said controlled switch means further for coupling saidconnected terminals to said gang holding structure after said engagementphase and thereafter coupling said connected terminals for controlledselective communication.
 10. A control system according to claim 9further including means to receive data from at least one of saidindividual terminals connected for controlled communication.
 11. Acontrol system according to claim 10 wherein said means to receive datacomprises a digital means for receiving digital data provided from saidindividual terminals.
 12. A control system according to claim 10 whereinsaid means to receive data receives voice signals.
 13. A control systemaccording to claim 10 further including comparator means for testingsaid data from said individual terminals.
 14. A system according toclaim 13 wherein said comparator means includes a memory for storingstored identification data for persons at said individual terminals,means for receiving received identification data from said persons andmeans for comparing said stored identification data and said receivedidentification data to authenticate a person.
 15. A multiple-partycontrol system for use with a telephone facility to interface a primaryterminal with a multiplicity of remote terminals for controlledcommunication through said telephone facility, said system comprising:acontrol computer means for defining signal-indicated operating sequencesincluding, an engagement phase and a group communication phase;engagement means for vocally providing information and controlled bysaid control computer means to inform said remote terminals individuallyduring said engagement phase then couple a group of remote terminals forcollective operation; vocal communication means controlled by saidcontrol computer means for interfacing said group of remote terminalsunilaterally with voice communication during one part of said groupcommunication phase; and data receiving means controlled by said controlcomputer for receiving digital data from said remote terminals duringanother part of said group communication phase.
 16. A system accordingto claim 15 further including test means for receiving identificationsignals from said remote terminals, means for storing referenceidentification signals, and means for selectively comparingidentification signals and reference signals to qualify remote terminalsfor coupling in said group for collective operation.
 17. A systemaccording to claim 15 further including clock means for furthercontrolling communication.
 18. A process for interfacing a primarytelephone terminal with a plurality of remote telephone terminalsthrough a telephone facility, comprising the steps of:confirming callsat said remote telephone terminals, and providing vocal signals toindividually inform callers at said remote telephone terminals. afterconfirming calls and individually informing callers, bridging said callsfrom said remote terminals for gang holding; vocally communicatingunilaterally and collectively with said gang holding remote terminalsfrom said primary terminal; and digitally communicating with saidprimary terminal from said gang holding remote terminals.
 19. A processaccording to claim 18, wherein said step of accepting calls from saidremote telephone terminals further includes receiving test data fromsaid remote telephone terminals and testing said test data.
 20. Aprocess according to claim 18 wherein said step of digitallycommunicating with said primary terminal from said remote terminals isselectively controlled.
 21. A multiple-party control system for use witha telephone facility to selectively interface a primary terminal with amultiplicity of remote terminals through said telephone facility, saidsystem comprising:a voice generator structure, initially for providingvoice signals to cue persons at said remote terminals through saidtelephone facility; switching apparatus for collectively bridging amultitude of said remote terminals through said telephone facility;coupling apparatus connected to said switching apparatus unilaterallyconnecting said multitude of bridged remote terminals collectively toreceive vocal communication; and control structure for selectivelyenabling said remote terminals to communicate digitally through saidswitching apparatus to said primary terminal.